Living alongside a busy motorway requires smart solutions. For the new Canvas Living development in Rotterdam, we designed custom-made façade grilles that let fresh air in while keeping traffic noise out. This creates a healthy and comfortable living environment right in the heart of the city.
Case study
± 3 min
Acoustic comfort for Sportomundo gym
In the gymnasium of Sportomundo Primary School in Antwerp, bouncing balls, shouting during team sports, and squeaking shoes created excessive reverberation and high noise levels. This made it difficult for teachers to conduct lessons effectively and disrupted students’ concentration.
This project demonstrates that targeted acoustic solutions can enhance usability and comfort in multifunctional sports spaces while maintaining safety and aesthetics.
Noise interference disrupting lessons
The combination of intensive use and limited sound absorption led to reverberation levels in the gymnasium that caused disturbance during daily activities. To address this in a sustainable way, a targeted acoustic solution was required.
As a result, the external prevention service Idewe recommended an acoustic intervention, and Merford was commissioned to improve the acoustic comfort. The objective was clear: the PE teacher should be able to conduct lessons without the need for hearing protection, while students can move and participate in a safe and comfortable sports environment.
Custom Absorption Panels
The installation of the panels addressed two major challenges: the curved roof structure and the 6-metre ceiling height. Akotherm panels were selected because they follow the shape of the roof and are resistant to impact from balls during sports activities.
On site, each panel was precisely aligned using laser positioning, ensuring both optimal acoustic performance and a clean visual finish. The panels are lightweight and ball-resistant, allowing safe installation using a mobile elevating work platform.
Approximately 100 m² of absorption material was installed to reduce reverberation to acceptable levels, without compromising the functionality or layout of the gymnasium.
Captured on site
A quieter environment for students and teachers
With the new panels in place, the gymnasium now provides a comfortable and well-balanced acoustic environment. Teachers can conduct lessons without hearing protection, and students benefit from a more pleasant and functional space for physical activity.
This project demonstrates how targeted acoustic solutions can significantly improve usability and comfort in multifunctional sports environments while maintaining safety, durability and aesthetics.
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